NXP, Thomson combine tuner modules operations

LONDON  NXP Semiconductors and Thomson are to combine their can tuner modules operations in a joint venture that the companies say would have the focus and scale to invest in the sector and thus expand.

Thomson (Paris, France) will appoint the CFO of the venture, while NXP (Eindhoven, the Netherlands) the CEO.

The companies expect the deal to be finalized during the second quarter of the year. No details were given about the financial and employment implications of the plan.

Christos Lagomichos, executive vice president and general manager of NXP’s Home business unit, said the combination of the two "highly complementary businesses" would generate significant operational synergies that will free up resources to address new market opportunities for RF modules. "At the same time the deal will enable NXP to focus the Home business unit on Digital TV, Set Top Box and silicon tuner activities," he added.

"Digital can tuners remain strategic components at a time when broadcast and broadband distribution infrastructures look to advanced delivery technologies such as DVB-S2, DVB-T, DVB-H and new cable modulation technologies," said Thomson CTO Jean-Charles Hourcade.